The donation will help fund the purchase of a new RFDS aircraft for emergency and inter-hospital patient transfer flights from rural and remote locations in Western Australia.

With each aircraft costing more than $6 million to purchase and equip as a flying intensive care unit, the RFDS said it faces major funding challenges to maintain an efficient and modern fleet.

Chevron Australia managing director Jay Johnson said the pledge was about forging partnerships within communities where the company operates.

“The lifeline of medical support provided by the RFDS is vital to those who live and work in the Pilbara, including our workforce on Barrow and Thevenard Islands,” Johnson said.

“The energy resources of the North West are a focus for Chevron Australia and we are proud that we are able to support the continued delivery of such a vital medical service for those people living and working in remote areas.”

Receiving the donation in Karratha, RFDS Western Operations chief executive Tim Shackleton said: “This generous gesture by Chevron Australia will enable us to continue our aircraft upgrade program, in order that we can maintain our high standards in service to the people of rural and remote Western Australia.”

“The RFDS evacuated 717 patients from the Pilbara region alone in 12 months from 2004 to 2005, with 209 of these patients being transported from Karratha hospital for medical treatment in Perth.

“Chevron Australia’s greatly appreciated support will be a direct contribution to keeping the Royal Flying Doctor Service in the air, providing a 24 hour-a-day mantle of safety over those who live, work and travel in all regions of this vast state.”

Chevron Australia’s pledge of $1 million to the service is over four years and more than half of the amount has already been donated to the RFDS.